News article

12 February 2019

Cardiff Castle hosts official launch of FDF Cymru

Wales's best loved food and drink brands gathered at Cardiff Castle last night
for the official
launch of Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Cymru. Representing the Welsh food
and
drink
manufacturing industry, FDF Cymru will build on the great domestic and
international success story
that is Welsh food and drink.

Welsh food and drink
was at the heart of the evening's dinner, which was supported by Santander, and
included Welsh
produce from Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales), South Caernarfon
Creameries,
Rachel's
Organic and many more.

Guests heard from a variety of speakers, including Eluned Morgan AM, Minister
for International
Relations and the Welsh Language, FDF Chief Executive Ian Wright CBE and Andy
Richardson,
Chair of the Welsh Food & Drink Board.

Discussing the event, Ian Wright CBE, FDF Chief Executive said:

“We're delighted to have launched FDF Cymru last night at our event in Cardiff.
The Welsh
food and drink industry is vibrant and self-confident. We look forward to
working with Government to
support continued growth across Wales.

“Food and drink manufacturers have never faced a more diverse set of obstacles,
from
Brexit, to plastics, and the increased focus on public health. FDF Cymru will
provide a strong,
credible and trusted voice for food and drink manufacturers and producers
across
Wales.”

Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language
said:

“Food and Drink is of great importance to Wales and now more than ever, it is
important
that we ensure the industry is strong and robust enough to thrive in a
post-Brexit world. It's vital
businesses have the capacity, support and resources in place to make the most
of
opportunities to
grow and events such as this FDF Cymru gathering have a key role to play in
this.”

Andy Richardson, Chair of Welsh Food and Drink Board said:

“I am delighted to welcome FDF to Wales. At this crucial time of Brexit it is so
important to
work with knowledgeable and influential organisations who have real energy and
a
passion for the
food and drink industry. We see FDF as being one of these organisations and
look
forward to working
together going forward”.

“I am delighted that Santander Corporate & Commercial has been able to back this
event
and the launch of FDF Cymru. The food and drink sector is vitally important to
the Welsh economy
and the collaboration of public and private partners will ensure that there is
support for this industry
and that domestic and international opportunities are developed to assist
ongoing success.”